Up here Mo, I dont even see churches conducting bible study so good for you. When this Lutheran Pastor indicated the other day that they conduct study on Wednesday & Sunday, I was impressed. When he stated it was his responsibility to school interested people in learning more & more & more, then I was intrigued.
Now how do I interact with a guy who believes in Universal Atonement v Definite Atonement? How do I take communion with people who believe in Consubstantiation & how do I deal with their belief in sacraments (infant baptism)? Even now, Im grinding my teeth.
I have no recourse but to set myself apart from them & not get polluted with their ridiculous rituals while not offending them.
I thought about it all night & this morning and I concluded that I would seriously go to my death before I would become a false Christian & accept those rituals & that Universal Atonement that smells alot like Roman Catholicism. I AM SERIOUS. Now, what to do? Am I so desperate for fellowship that Id put myself in a position to worship with these people? I really dont know what to do at this juncture.
I'll give a bit of what I hope is helpful advice, hopefully humbly, in that I know very little of your situation or the specifics of this church:
If the Church is (as it seems to be from your descriptions) is serious about belief in Christ, accept the bible as inspired, believe in Justification by grace, through faith, and if this is by far the best church around, and you believe it to be a true church, just one that differs significantly with you...Here's what I think I might do in your situation.
1. Learn as much as I can about lutheran beliefs and rituals and realize that they have reasons for them, even if all the people in the church don't know all the reasons. Also, realize that even baptists have some rituals that might seem odd to a completely unchurched person. I would not let rituals in themselves deter me.
2. Regarding universal atonement and consubstantion and infant baptism, I would be honest with the pastor about your disagreements, and ask if it would be okay if you began worshiping and fellowshiping with his church. Let them know you are unlikely to be pursuaded to thier opinions, but that you respect their earnest desire to study the bible and follow Christ, and desire fellowship with other believers who are similarly earnest in faith.
3. Agree with the pastor and leadership not to push your beliefs on members, but that you will be honest if people ask about your beliefs.
It may be that the church adopts you as their "resident baptist" in good humor, and you may all be stimulated to think more deeply about your convictions. Of course it may also be that the church doesn't want you around if you disagree...but you won't know that till you try.
I give this advice based on a deep belief that ALL Christians need community with other believers...even believers who disagree on some things...if they agree on the Gospel, and there are no other options...I would give it an honest try. You may never be allowed to become an official member of the church, but could gain the benefits of christian community that you are looking for.
Hope this helps and makes sense...I'm not saying compromise your beliefs...but maybe making a statement by your association with them that you believe that unity around the Gospel is valuable enough to associate with true Christians who disagree on some issues, even very important ones.
